The Department for Transport (DfT) has now published the outcome of their consultation on the safe use of drones in the UK. The document can be viewed here: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/631638/unlocking-the-uks-high-tech-economy-consultation-on-the-safe-use-of-drones-in-the-uk-government-response.pdf
The Bmfa has made comments to clarify the situation and can be read here
https://bmfa.org/News/News-Page/ArticleID/2475/Government-Publishes-Consultation-on-the-Safe-Use-of-Drones-in-the-UK